Edge Protector

ABSTRACT

An edge protector for an object such as a table or other surface, comprising a plurality of edge members, which are joined by an attachment structure is provided. The edge protector is designed to be removaby attached to the edge of an object, and is also designed to be cut to size to fit a variety of differently sized objects. A method of removably cushioning the edge of an object is also provided.

BACKGROUND

Safety bumpers for tables and countertops are used to protect youngchildren and old or handicapped persons. Young children, especially whenlearning to walk, during active play, running or climbing are atparticular risk of injury from the sharp edges of tables, furniture,countertops and cabinets.

The use of safety bumpers for furniture and other edges, such ascounters and fireplace hearths are known. Examples of such safetybumpers may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,960,354; 4,938,357; 5,496609;5,508,078; 5,639,072; 6,278,831; 6,708,941; 7,182,993; U.S. PatentPublication 2002/0164445 and UK Patent Publication No. GB 2,378,129.

However, known safety bumpers suffer from one or more of thedisadvantages of i) being poorly sized to fit a variety of sizes offurniture; and/or ii) being semi-permanently affixed to furniture withadhesive, such as double sided tape, which can damage furniture or leaveadhesive residue on the surface; and/or iv) not easily removed andstored from furniture when the safety bumper is not in use.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that can protect children andold or handicapped persons from sharp edges which is adaptable to avariety of sizes of furniture. There is also a need for an edgeprotector that is easily removed from furniture and other edges andbroken down for easy storage when not in use.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the invention an edge protector forprotecting people from impact with a solid edge, such as a table edge isprovided. The edge protector of the invention satisfies theabove-identified needs, in that the edge protector is adaptable to fit avariety of sizes of furniture and is not permanently attached (i.e., theedge protector is removably affixed to an object). The edge protector isformed from multiple pieces such that the edge protector may be brokendown and stored when not in use, and reinstalled at a later date.Accordingly, the edge protector of the invention is ideal for situationswhere edge cushioning is not in constant need (i.e., a grandparent'shouse, or a temporary caregiver). Also, the edge protector is sturdyenough for daily use, but can be removed when a child is no longer inneed of edge cushioning, and then re-installed at a later date, such aswhen a younger sibling is in need of the device. Further, since the edgeprotector of the invention is removably applied to an object, it willnot damage furniture when it is removed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the edge protectorcomprises a plurality of edge members, where each edge member has anattachment structure comprising a channel. An energy absorbing materialis secured to the attachment structure to provide a cushion from impactwith an edge, and the attachment structure and energy absorbing materialare formed to be applied to and to cover an edge of an object. The edgeprotector is formed in a series of edge member segments, which arejoined together. The edge members are joined together by joining theattachment structure of a first edge member to an attachment structureof a second edge member, the first edge member and the second edgemember being joined with a joining member.

In one embodiment, the first edge member is an elongated edge member andthe second edge member is a corner edge member. According to thisembodiment, the corner edge member may also have a leg section. The legsection may also have means for securing the leg section to the object(e.g., a table leg). In a preferred embodiment, the means for securingthe leg section to the object is a hook and loop fastener, such as aVelcro™ strip.

The energy absorbing material is preferably a foam material. In oneembodiment, the edge member has a substantially L-shape. In anotherembodiment, the edge member has a top side and a bottom side, and thetop side of the edge member has a substantially rounded shape.

The edge members are joined together through a channel in eachattachment structure, with a joining member, connecting the twochannels. The channel may have a variety of configurations. In oneembodiment, the channel is substantially planar, and the attachmentstructure has a lip. In another embodiment, the attachment structure isformed with a first lip and a second lip, and the joining member is heldunder both the first lip and the second lip of the attachment structuresof the first and second edge members. According to these embodiments,the joining member is a plate or other substantially planar structure.In another embodiment, the channel is rounded or circular shaped, andthe joining member is rounded, either hollow or solid, and conforms tothe rounded or circular shape of the channel.

In one embodiment, the edge protector is assembled to be substantiallyform-fitted to an object. The edge protector may also have means forsecuring the edge protector the object. In a preferred embodiment, theedge protector is removably attached to the object.

According to another embodiment, a method of removably cushioning theedge of a surface of an object is provided. According to thisembodiment, the method comprises first applying a first edge member to asurface edge. Then, a second edge member is applied to the surface edge.The first edge member is then joined to the second edge member, and thejoined first and second edge members are removably secured to theobject. The first or second edge members may be sized such that thejoined first and second edge members fit a length of the object.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, each edge member comprises anattachment structure and an energy absorbing material is secured to theattachment structure. The attachment structure and energy absorbingmaterial are formed to be removably applied to and to cover the edge ofthe object. Further, the first edge member and the second edge memberare joined adjacent by joining the attachment structures of the firstand second edge members with a joining member.

In a more preferred embodiment of the method, each attachment structurecomprises a channel, and the first and second edge members are joinedadjacent by the joining member being positioned within the channel ofthe attachment structures of the first and second edge members.

FIGURES

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood from the following description,appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 is an edge protector shown secured to a table, according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a top isometric view of a corner of a table to which isattached a cut away corner version of the edge protector according tothe invention;

FIG. 2B is a bottom side corner section of the edge protector accordingto the invention;

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of two attachment structures joined with ajoining member according to the invention;

FIG. 3A is a side cut away views of an L-shaped edge member affixed ontop of an object according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3B is a side cut away views of a circular edge member affixed ontop of an object according to another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an edge protectorfor an object such as a table or other surface, comprising a pluralityof edge members, which are joined by an attachment structure isprovided. The edge protector has advantages over other known edge guardsand other systems for protecting children, the elderly, and handicappedpersons, in that it is easily detached from the object. Further, theedge protector is formed in sections which can be shortened to a desiredlength. The sections of the edge protector are then joined to eachother, such that the edge protector may be easily sized to fit a varietyof differently sized objects.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an edge protector 10, according to theinvention, is shown secured to a table 20. Each edge protector 10comprises a plurality of edge members 12 a-h. The edge members 12 may bean elongated edge member, such as edge members 12 a, 12 c, 12 e, and 12g, or the edge member may be a corner edge member, such as edge members12 b, 12 d, 12 f, and 12 h. According to one embodiment, the edgeprotector 10 may be a series of two or more horizontal elongated edgemembers, joined adjacent, in an end to end manner. According to anotherembodiment, the edge protector 10 may be one or more horizontalelongated edge members, combined with one or more corner edge members.

The edge members 12 may be sized to fit different sized objects, such asdifferent sized coffee tables, or dining tables. This may be done bypre-sizing the edge members 12 to conform to standard table sizes, suchas 36 inches. Alternately, in a preferred embodiment, the edge membersare formed such that they may be cut to size by the end user, i.e, theconsumer, to custom fit a variety of objects in a variety of sizes.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the edge protector 10 may also have legsections 14 a-d, which protect the leg of an object such as a table. Theedge protector may also have one or more means 16 a-d for securing theedge members to the object, such as a strap, a hook and loop fastener,e.g., a Velcro™ strap, suction cups, and/or double sided tape.Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the edge protector 10 is employedto protect a table 20, the edge protector 10 has leg sections 14 a-d, astrap is employed to secure the edge protector to the leg 18 of thetable.

The leg sections 14 a-d may extend any length beyond the edge members12. For example, when the invention is used with a short table 20, suchas a coffee table or an end table, the leg sections 14 of the edgeprotector 10 are shortened to accommodate the height of the short table.Alternately, when the invention is used with a tall table 20, such as adining table, the leg sections 14 of the edge protector 10 may be sizedlonger to accommodate the height of the tall table. The leg sections 14may be pre-cut by a manufacturer, or designed to be sized by the enduser, i.e., the consumer. The leg sections 14 may be attached to an edgemember 12, by adhering the attachment structure 22 to an edge member, orby other means of attachment, as will be understood by those of skill inthe art by reference to this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a top isometric view of a corner of a table 20to which is attached a cut away corner version of the edge protector 10according to the invention, and FIG. 2B, a bottom side corner section ofthe edge protector 10 according to the invention. As shown in FIG. 2Aand FIG. 2B, each edge member 12 comprises an attachment structure 22.Preferably, each attachment structure has a channel 24 and an energyabsorbing material 30 secured to the attachment structure 22.

Referring again to FIG. 2B, according to the invention, edge members 12a, 12 g are attached to another edge member 12 h by joining first edgemembers 12 a, 12 g adjacent to the second edge member 12 h, by joiningthe attachment structure 22 of the first edge members 12 a, 12 g to anattachment member 22 of the second edge member 12 h. The first edgemembers 12 a, 12 g and the second edge member 12 h, being joined with ajoining member 32.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, in one embodiment, the channel 24 issubstantially planar, as shown FIG. 2C, and runs along distance of thehorizontal axis of the edge member 12. As shown in FIG. 2C, the edgemember 12 may have a first lip 26 and/or a second lip 28 and the joiningmember 32 may be placed within the channel 24 of each edge member 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, different embodiments of thechannel 24 according to the invention are shown. FIG. 3A shows anattachment structure 22 having a substantially planar channel 24, theattachment structure 22 having a first lip 26 and a second lip 28. Inanother embodiment, not shown, the attachment structure 22 has one lip,lip 26 or lip 28. According to these embodiments, the joining member 32is a plate or other substantially planar structure. In yet anotherembodiment, not shown, the attachment structure 22 has no lip, and maybe configured with an indentation, or groove, or conversely, aprotrusion. According to these embodiments, the joining member 32 isconfigured to conform to the indentation or groove of the attachmentstructure 22, or the joining member 32 is configured itself with anindentation or groove that will conform to a protrusion or groove in theattachment structure 22. Referring again to FIG. 3B, a channel 24, whichis circular, having no lips is shown. In another embodiment, not shown,the channel 24 is a partial circle, either with or without lips.According to these embodiments, the joining member 32 is rounded, eitherhollow or solid, and conforms to the rounded or circular shape of thechannel. However, as will be understood by those of skill in the art byreference to this disclosure, the channel 24 may have otherconfigurations than those described herein, but is shaped such that itmay join two sections of edge members 12 together to complete a formfitting edge protector 10, which can then be placed onto a surfacewithout any permanent attaching mechanism.

Referring again to FIGS. 2B and 2C, according to one embodiment, thejoining member 32 is held under both the first lip 26 and the second lip28 of the attachment structures 22 of the first edge member 12 a, 12 g,and second edge members 12 h. As shown in FIG. 2C, a bottom view of twoattachment structures 22 joined with a joining member 32 is shown. Thejoining member 32 may be a rectangular plate (i.e., a connecting tab)which is slid into the channel 24 and underneath the lips 26 and 28 ofthe two attachment structures 22, thus joining two sections of edgemembers. However, the attachment structure 22, the channel 24, lips 24and 26, and the joining member 32 are not limited to the structuresshown in FIG. 2C and may have other configurations, as described alsoabove, as will be understood by those of skill in the art by referenceto this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the leg sections 14 a-d may also comprise anattachment structure 22, having a channel 24, and alternately, one ormore lips 26 and 28, and an energy absorbing material 30, which issecured to the attachment structure 22.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a side cut away view of an edgemember 12 affixed on top of an object 38 having an edge, according tothe invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the edge member12 has a top side 34 and a bottom side 36 and the attachment structure22 and the energy absorbing material 30 are formed to be applied to andto cover an edge of an object 38. In one embodiment, the energyabsorbing material 30 is formed such that the top side 34 of the edgemember 12 has a substantially L-shape. In another embodiment, the topside 34 of the edge member 12 has a substantially rounded shape, and thebottom side 24 of the energy absorbing material 30 is substantiallyL-shaped, i.e., conforms to a 90 degree angle of an object 38.

According to the invention, the energy absorbing material 30 is amaterial which will provide a cushion from an edge, such as a table edgewhen a person makes contact with the edge. Preferably, the energyabsorbing material 30 is a resilient polymeric foam material, orUrethane, PE/EVA Copolymers such as Mantec Services, Inc. moldedcushions. However, other resilient materials may be used as the energyabsorbing material 30 as will be understood by those of skill in the artby reference to this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of removablycushioning the edge of a surface of an object. In one embodiment, themethod comprises first, applying a first edge member to a surface edge.Then, a second edge member is applied to the surface edge. The firstedge member and the second edge member are then joined, and the joinedfirst and second edge members are removably secured to the object. Themethod may further comprise sizing the first or second edge member suchthat the joined first and second edge members fit a length of theobject.

According to the method of the invention, each edge member comprises anattachment structure and an energy absorbing material secured to theattachment structure, the attachment structure and energy absorbingmaterial being formed to be removably applied to and to cover the edgeof the object. The first edge member and the second edge member may bejoined adjacent, at each end, by joining the attachment structures ofthe first and second edge members with a joining member. In a preferredembodiment, the attachment structure comprises a channel, a first lipand a second lip, and the first and second edge members are joinedadjacent by the joining member being positioned under both the first lipand the second lip of the attachment structures of the first and secondedge members.

Although the present invention has been discussed in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments arepossible. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not belimited to the description of preferred embodiments contained herein.

1. An edge protector comprising a plurality of edge members, each edgemember comprising: an attachment structure having a channel; and anenergy absorbing material secured to the attachment structure, whereinthe attachment structure and energy absorbing material are formed to beapplied to and to cover an edge of an object, and wherein one or more ofa first edge member is joined adjacent to one or more of a second edgemember by joining the attachment structure of the first edge member toan attachment structure of the second edge member, the first edge memberand the second edge member being joined with a joining member.
 2. Anedge protector according to claim 1 wherein the channel is substantiallyplanar.
 3. An edge protector according to claim 1 wherein the channel issubstantially circular.
 4. An edge protector according to claim 1wherein the channel further comprises one or more lips.
 5. An edgeprotector according to claim 1 wherein the first edge member is anelongated edge member and the second edge member is a corner edgemember.
 6. An edge protector according to claim 5 wherein the corneredge member further comprises a leg section.
 7. An edge protectoraccording to claim 6 wherein the leg section further comprises means forsecuring the leg section to the object.
 8. An edge protector accordingto claim 7 wherein the means for securing the leg section to the objectis a hook and loop fastener.
 9. An edge protector according to claim 1wherein the energy absorbing material is a foam material.
 10. An edgeprotector according to claim 1 wherein the edge member has asubstantially L-shape.
 11. An edge protector according to claim 1wherein the edge member has a top side and a bottom side, and whereinthe top side has a substantially rounded shape.
 12. An edge protectoraccording to claim 1 wherein the joining member is a plate.
 13. An edgeprotector according to claim 1 wherein the joining member is at leastpartially of a circular shape.
 14. An edge protector according to claim1 further comprising means for securing the edge protector the object.15. An edge protector for removably attaching to an edge of an object,the edge protector comprising: a) one or more elongated edge members;and b) one or more corner edge members, wherein each elongated edgemember and each corner edge member comprise: i) an attachment structurecomprising a channel; and ii) an energy absorbing material secured tothe attachment structure, the attachment structure and energy absorbingmaterial being formed to be removably applied to and to cover an edge ofan object, and wherein one or more of the elongated edge members isjoined adjacent to one or more of the corner edge members by joining theattachment structure of the elongated edge member to the attachmentstructure of the corner edge member, the attachment structures beingjoined with a joining member.
 16. An edge protector according to claim15 wherein the corner edge member further comprises a leg section. 17.An edge protector according to claim 16 wherein the leg section furthercomprises means for securing the leg section to the table.
 18. An edgeprotector according to claim 17 wherein the means for securing the legsection to the table is a hook and loop fastener.
 19. An edge protectoraccording to claim 15 further comprising means for securing the edgeprotector the table.
 20. A method of removably cushioning the edge of asurface of an object, the method comprising: applying a first edgemember to a surface edge; applying a second edge member to the surfaceedge; joining the first edge member to the second edge member; removablysecuring the joined first and second joined edge members to the object.21. The method of claim 20 further comprising sizing the first or secondedge member such that the joined first and second edge members fit alength of the object.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein each edgemember comprises an attachment structure and an energy absorbingmaterial secured to the attachment structure, the attachment structureand energy absorbing material being formed to be removably applied toand to cover the edge of the object, and wherein first edge member andthe second edge member are joined adjacent by joining the attachmentstructures of the first and second edge member with a joining member.23. The method of claim 22 wherein each attachment structure comprises achannel, and the first and second edge members are joined adjacent bythe joining member being positioned within the channel of the first andsecond edge members.